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5 New York Jets Facing Make-or-Break Seasons in 2015

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5 New York Jets Heading Into Make-or-Break Seasons in 2015

Geno Smith Jets
Frederick Breedon-Getty Images

The New York Jets make more news off the field than a mediocre team should, and even with Rex Ryan gone as head coach that may not change much.

With a new head coach and general manager in place, here are five Jets who are heading into make-or-break seasons in 2015.

5. DE Muhammad Wilkerson

Muhammad Wilkerson Jets
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

5. DE Muhammad Wilkerson

Muhammad Wilkerson Jets
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Wilkerson's desire for a long-term contract extension drove some trade speculation for a time, but he reported for veteran minicamp on Tuesday. He is slated to become a free agent next March, barring an agreement on a new deal with the Jets soon, so it will be interesting to see how Wilkerson performs this season with a big pay day surely on the horizon.

4. CB Dee Milliner

Dee Milliner Jets
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

4. CB Dee Milliner

Dee Milliner Jets
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries, including a season-ending Achilles' tendon tear, limited Milliner to three games last year after a disappointing rookie season in 2013. The Jets added talent at cornerback during the offseason, so Milliner needs to get fully healthy at some point this season in order to secure his future with the team.

3. WR Jeremy Kerley

Jeremy Kerley Jets
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

3. WR Jeremy Kerley

Jeremy Kerley Jets
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The additions of Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall in back-to-back offseasons have pushed Kerley down the pecking order for the Jets, and now he may have to fend off rookie Devin Smith in order to keep some level of notable playing time. This is looking like a pivotal season for Kerley, as he either clearly becomes the Jets' No. 3 wide receiver or gets usurped and falls by the wayside.

2. OLB Quinton Coples

Quinton Coples Jets
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. OLB Quinton Coples

Quinton Coples Jets
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Coples has not lived up to his status as the 16th overall pick in 2012, with 16.5 sacks in three seasons (46 games). If he fails to step up this year, the Jets can move on without regret.

1. QB Geno Smith

Geno Smith Jets
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

1. QB Geno Smith

Geno Smith Jets
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan have made no definite commitment to Smith, though he would seem to fit new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system well. If he can't beat out Ryan Fitzpatrick, and then play well enough to keep the starting job, Smith's time as a Jet will come to a swift end.

Brad Berreman is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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